What drink lowers temperature? The ultimate guide to hydrating for cooling relief

October 12, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2024 study, simply drinking fluids like cold water can help lower your core body temperature and improve performance during exercise in hot conditions. So, what drink lowers temperature most effectively? The answer depends on the cause of your elevated temperature, but hydrating with specific beverages is a key strategy for both fever and heat stress.

Quick Summary

This article explores the best drinks for lowering body temperature during fever or heat stress. It compares options like coconut water, electrolyte solutions, and herbal teas, detailing their benefits for hydration and cooling. Practical advice is provided on when to use each drink and what beverages to avoid to aid recovery.

Key Points

Plain Water is Primary: Consistently drinking plenty of water, especially chilled, is the foundational step for combating heat and fever.
Electrolytes are Key for Illness: When fever or intense sweating leads to mineral loss, drinks like coconut water or oral rehydration solutions are more effective than plain water.
Warm Teas Can Induce Cooling: Herbal teas with menthol, such as peppermint, can promote sweating, which helps lower body temperature through evaporation.
DIY Solutions are an Option: Homemade electrolyte solutions using water, salt, and sugar are a low-cost, low-sugar alternative to commercial sports drinks.
Certain Drinks Should Be Avoided: Caffeinated beverages, alcohol, and sugary sodas can hinder rehydration and worsen your condition.
Food Affects Temperature Too: Water-rich foods like watermelon and cucumber support hydration, while heavy, spicy foods can increase body heat.

The Importance of Hydration for Regulating Body Temperature

Whether you're experiencing a fever due to illness or overheating from environmental heat, hydration is paramount. When your body temperature rises, you sweat more, which can lead to fluid and electrolyte loss. Replenishing these fluids is critical for helping your body's natural cooling mechanisms function properly and for preventing dehydration, a condition that can exacerbate heat-related symptoms.

During a fever, staying hydrated helps to replenish the fluids lost through sweating, aids in flushing out toxins, and supports your overall immune function. Similarly, on a hot day, consuming fluids helps your body regulate its temperature and prevents heat exhaustion. While plain water is always a good start, some drinks offer additional benefits that can enhance the cooling effect and aid in faster recovery.

Coconut Water: The Natural Electrolyte Boost

Coconut water is a natural and effective choice for cooling the body and replenishing lost fluids. It is rich in essential electrolytes, particularly potassium, which are vital for maintaining fluid balance and muscle function. Unlike many commercial sports drinks, coconut water is low in calories and sugar, making it a healthier option for rehydration. Its natural composition can be especially soothing during heat stress or illness. Some traditional medicine practices suggest its natural alkalinity can even help with stomach upset.

Benefits: Excellent for rehydration, rich in potassium, low in sugar and calories.
Considerations: May not contain enough sodium for severe electrolyte loss.

Herbal Teas: Warm Relief for Cooling Down

While it might seem counterintuitive, certain herbal teas can promote cooling. Drinking warm liquids, like peppermint or fenugreek tea, can induce sweating, which helps release heat from the body as the sweat evaporates. The menthol in peppermint tea provides a direct cooling sensation that can be very comforting.

Herbal teas to consider:

Peppermint Tea: The menthol creates a cooling sensation, providing a refreshing effect.
Hibiscus Tea: Known for its cooling properties and high vitamin C content.
Chamomile Tea: Has a calming and soothing effect, which can help relax the body.
Ginger Tea: Can promote sweating and help with cold and flu symptoms.

DIY and Commercial Electrolyte Solutions

For more significant fluid and electrolyte loss, such as with fever, vomiting, or intense sweating, plain water may not be enough. Commercial electrolyte drinks or homemade oral rehydration solutions are a targeted way to replenish minerals. While sports drinks like Gatorade can work, many are high in sugar, which is not ideal, especially if you have an upset stomach. A simple homemade solution is a great alternative.

Simple homemade oral rehydration solution:

1 liter of clean water
6 teaspoons of sugar
1/2 teaspoon of salt

Combine the ingredients and sip regularly. This mixture provides the necessary salts and glucose to optimize absorption and restore balance.

Citrus-Infused Water: Vitamin C and Hydration

Adding lemon or lime to water not only enhances the flavor, encouraging more frequent drinking, but also provides a beneficial dose of vitamin C and antioxidants. Lemon water is believed to aid in detoxification and may help lower body temperature during a mild fever. For a refreshing, cooling drink, mix fresh lime or lemon juice with water, a pinch of salt, and a touch of honey or sugar.

Comparison of Cooling Drinks for Lowering Body Temperature


Drink Type	Primary Benefit	Best For	Considerations
Plain Water (chilled)	Basic hydration	Mild heat stress or fever	Lacks electrolytes; can feel uncomfortable if too cold
Coconut Water	Natural electrolytes	General hydration, heat relief	May lack sufficient sodium for severe electrolyte loss
Electrolyte Solution	Targeted mineral replacement	High fever, vomiting, intense sweating	High sugar content in many commercial options
Herbal Tea (Peppermint/Hibiscus)	Promotes sweating, soothing	Fever with chills, general overheating	Warm beverages can initially feel hot
Buttermilk	Probiotics, internal cooling	Digestion and soothing stomach	Dairy-based; not suitable for those with lactose intolerance
Lemon Water	Hydration, vitamin C	Mild fever, overall detoxification	Too much sugar can be counterproductive

The Role of Diet and Food in Temperature Regulation

Beyond drinks, your diet plays a significant role in helping your body maintain a stable temperature. Just as some drinks are cooling, certain foods can also provide a cooling effect or worsen overheating. Consuming light, easily digestible meals and choosing water-rich foods can significantly contribute to your comfort. Foods like watermelon, cucumber, and melons are high in water content and make excellent cooling snacks. Conversely, heavy, spicy, or fried foods can increase body heat during digestion and should be limited.

What to Avoid When Trying to Cool Down

Just as important as choosing the right drinks is avoiding those that can be counterproductive to cooling. Caffeinated drinks like coffee and certain teas, as well as alcohol, can act as diuretics and contribute to dehydration. While they might seem to offer a quick fix, they can actually worsen your condition. Excessive sugar can also be detrimental, as it can hinder recovery, especially if you have an upset stomach.

Conclusion

When asking what drink lowers temperature, the most effective answer is a combination of proper hydration and careful selection. For general cooling and mild heat, coconut water and lemon-infused water are excellent, natural choices that replenish fluids and electrolytes. During a fever, when more significant fluid loss can occur, a proper electrolyte solution—either homemade or low-sugar commercial—is often the best approach. Herbal teas like peppermint and hibiscus offer a soothing, comforting way to promote cooling through sweating. By choosing the right drinks and avoiding dehydrating ones like alcohol and caffeine, you can effectively support your body’s natural temperature regulation and promote a faster recovery. Consult a healthcare provider if your symptoms are severe or persistent.

Important Safety Note

If you have a high or persistent fever, are experiencing confusion, or are unable to drink fluids, it is crucial to seek professional medical advice immediately. This article is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical care.

Gatorade Sports Science Institute: Cold Water and Ice Slurry Ingestion for Reducing Body Temperature

Frequently Asked Questions

While chilled water or an ice slurry can provide an immediate cooling sensation, the fastest and most effective option for high fever or heat exhaustion is a balanced electrolyte solution. These drinks help your body rehydrate and regulate its temperature more efficiently by replenishing essential minerals lost through sweat.

Yes, coconut water is an excellent drink for fever. It contains natural electrolytes like potassium, which aid in rehydration and help regulate body temperature. Its gentle nature is also good for an upset stomach, providing a low-calorie and low-sugar option to replenish lost fluids.

Drinking a hot or warm drink can stimulate sweat production. As the sweat evaporates from your skin, it draws heat away from your body, creating a cooling effect. Certain herbal teas, like peppermint or ginger, are known for this traditional thermoregulatory effect.

You should avoid caffeinated beverages like coffee and tea, as well as alcohol, as these are diuretics that can cause further dehydration. Also, limit high-sugar drinks, including many commercial sports drinks and sodas, as excessive sugar can be counterproductive during illness.

Yes, lemon water can help reduce body heat. Lemons are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which support immune function and detoxification. The water helps with hydration, and the electrolytes, especially when mixed with a pinch of salt, can aid in cooling.

While sports drinks can help replenish electrolytes lost through sweating, many are high in sugar. Excessive sugar can sometimes worsen symptoms like nausea or diarrhea when you're sick. A better option is a lower-sugar electrolyte drink or a homemade oral rehydration solution.

It is recommended to drink plenty of fluids frequently, often aiming for 2-3 liters over 24 hours. Small sips throughout the day are often better than large gulps, especially if you feel nauseous. Look for signs of proper hydration, such as clear urine.